Thornton played for Davos during the league's last lockout, which resulted in the cancellation of the 2004-05 season. He met his wife there, maintains a residence there and works out there during the offseason.

"I know the team real well, and they know me," Thornton told ESPN. "It's a natural fit for me to go back there and play."

On choosing where to play during a lockout, he added, "If you find the right spot, it can be a real good experience. You meet some nice people, and you get to keep playing hockey. It worked out well for us (last time), I thought."

Sharks teammate Logan Couture is expected to join Thornton in the Swiss League. Couture is close to signing a deal with Geneva, according to the NHL Home Ice radio station.

-- German club Krefeld Pinguine announced that former Sharks defenseman Christian Ehrhoff has agreed to play for his hometown team.

Briefly: Among those saying they are not planning on playing in Europe: Wild defenseman Ryan Suter, Predators defenseman Shea Weber and Stars centerJamie Benn, according to ESPN. ... The Senators said they have already laid off "more than 10" full-time employees because of the lockout.

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